Vatuvei excited to welcome Foran to Warriors

NEW Warriors recruit Kieran Foran's arrival in Auckland has been welcomed by teammate Manu Vatuvei, with the veteran winger posting a photo on social media of the pair training together in the club's gym.

Foran last month signed a one-year deal to play for the Warriors next season and has been a frequent visitor from Sydney as he prepares to make a permanent move to Auckland before pre-season training begins on November 1.

The former Manly and Parramatta playmaker is continuing his recovery from season-ending shoulder surgery and was pictured working out with Vatuvei on a stationary bike at the Warriors' Mt Smart headquarters.

Foran has not played since injuring his shoulder in the Eels' round 12 win over Newcastle in May, before quitting the game in July and walking out on his multi-million-dollar deal with Parramatta.

The 26-year-old joined the Eels this year after seven years with the Sea Eagles but played only seven matches in the blue and gold.

Foran's Warriors contract still requires the approval of the NRL and the former Kiwis international is due to front the integrity unit in the coming weeks, needing to provide evidence he has dealt with mental issues that saw him spend time earlier this year in a Brisbane rehabilitation clinic.

The Ellerslie Eagles junior also must address questions over his association with controversial gambling identity Eddie Hayson but Foran has said he was prepared to end the relationship if the NRL ordered him to.

Last week, Warriors managing director Jim Doyle said the club was working through a process with the NRL to have the contract approved and remain confident the deal will be given the green light.